U.S. patent number 9,463,102 [Application Number 14/683,474] was granted by the patent office on 2016-10-11 for pararenal and thoracic arch stent graft and methods for use.
This patent grant is currently assigned to Sanford Health. The grantee listed for this patent is Sanford Health. Invention is credited to Patrick W. Kelly.
United States Patent |
9,463,102 |
Kelly |
October 11, 2016 |
Pararenal and thoracic arch stent graft and methods for use
Abstract
Example stent grafts and methods for placement thereof are
provided. An example stent graft may include (a) a main body stent
graft defining a lumen that has a first end and a second end, (b) a
diaphragm coupled to the main body stent graft, where the diaphragm
defines at least three openings and (c) at least three stent graft
extensions each defining a lumen, where a first end of each of the
three stent graft extensions is coupled to one of the three
openings.
Inventors: |
Kelly; Patrick W. (Sioux Falls,
SD) |
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Sanford Health |
Sioux Falls |
SD |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Sanford Health (Sioux Falls,
SD)
|
Family
ID: |
53677978 |
Appl.
No.: |
14/683,474 |
Filed: |
April 10, 2015 |
Prior Publication Data
|
|
|
|
Document
Identifier |
Publication Date |
|
US 20150209164 A1 |
Jul 30, 2015 |
|
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
Issue Date |
|
|
14608005 |
Jan 28, 2015 |
|
|
|
|
14311733 |
Jun 23, 2014 |
8998971 |
|
|
|
61932280 |
Jan 28, 2014 |
|
|
|
|
62067808 |
Oct 23, 2014 |
|
|
|
|
62104053 |
Jan 15, 2015 |
|
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61F
2/07 (20130101); A61F 2/856 (20130101); A61F
2/852 (20130101); A61F 2002/8486 (20130101); A61F
2/064 (20130101); A61F 2220/0033 (20130101); A61F
2002/826 (20130101); A61F 2002/067 (20130101); A61F
2/88 (20130101); A61F 2002/061 (20130101); A61F
2002/9511 (20130101); A61F 2250/007 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
A61F
2/856 (20130101); A61F 2/07 (20130101); A61F
2/852 (20130101); A61F 2/06 (20130101); A61F
2/88 (20060101); A61F 2/82 (20130101); A61F
2/95 (20130101); A61F 2/848 (20130101) |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Foreign Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2014/172501 |
|
Oct 2014 |
|
WO |
|
2015/116715 |
|
Aug 2015 |
|
WO |
|
Other References
International Search Report for Application PCT/US2015/013344,
mailed May 6, 2015. cited by applicant .
International Search Report for Application PCT/US2014/043651,
completed Oct. 8, 2014. cited by applicant .
International Search Report PCT/US2016/024125, mailed Jun. 17,
2016. cited by applicant.
|
Primary Examiner: Szpira; Julie A
Attorney, Agent or Firm: McDonnell Boehnen Hulbert &
Berghoff LLP
Parent Case Text
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser.
No. 14/608,005, filed Jan. 28, 2015, that is a continuation in part
of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/311,733, filed Jun. 23, 2014
that claims the benefit of the filing date of U.S. Provisional
Application No. 61/932,280, filed Jan. 28, 2014, U.S. Provisional
Application No. 62/067,808, filed Oct. 23, 2014, and U.S.
Provisional Application No. 62/104,053, filed Jan. 15, 2015, which
are all hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.
Claims
The invention claimed is:
1. A stent graft, comprising: a main body stent graft defining a
lumen having a first end and a second end; a diaphragm coupled to
the main body stent graft, wherein the diaphragm defines at least
three openings, wherein the diaphragm is coupled to the main body
stent graft at a location ranging from the second end of the main
body stent graft up to a midsection of the main body stent graft;
and a first stent graft extension defining a lumen and having a
first end coupled to a first opening defined by the diaphragm; a
second stent graft extension defining a lumen and having a first
end coupled to a second opening defined by the diaphragm; a third
stent graft extension defining a lumen and having a first end
coupled to a third opening defined by the diaphragm; and a fourth
stent graft extension defining a lumen and having a first end
coupled to a fourth opening defined by the diaphragm, wherein the
first opening, the second opening, the third opening and the fourth
opening are circular; wherein the first opening has a diameter
larger than a diameter of the second opening and wherein the
diameter of the second opening is larger than a diameter of the
third opening and a diameter of the fourth opening.
2. The stent graft of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the
diaphragm is angled relative to a sidewall of the main body stent
graft in a direction toward the second end of the main body stent
graft.
3. The stent graft of claim 1, wherein the first end of at least
one of the lumens of the first stent graft extension, the second
stent graft extension, the third stent graft extension and the
fourth stent graft extension is tapered.
4. The stent graft of claim 1, wherein the first opening, the
second opening, the third opening and the fourth opening are
defined in the center of the diaphragm and the diaphragm is
substantially funnel-shaped.
5. The stent graft of claim 1, wherein the first opening and the
second opening are defined on opposite sides of the diaphragm.
6. The stent graft of claim 1, wherein the first opening, the
second opening, the third opening and the fourth opening are each
defined in different quadrants of the diaphragm.
7. The stent graft of claim 1, wherein the diaphragm defines a
fifth opening coupled to a fifth stent graft extension.
8. The stent graft of claim 7, wherein the first opening has a
diameter larger than a diameter of the second opening and a
diameter of the fifth opening.
9. The stent graft of claim 7, wherein the diameter of the second
opening and the diameter of the fifth opening are larger than a
diameter of the third opening and a diameter of the fourth
opening.
10. The stent graft of claim 7, wherein the first opening, the
second opening and the fifth opening are arranged linearly in the
diaphragm.
11. The stent graft of claim 10, wherein the third opening and the
fourth opening are arranged in the diaphragm on opposite sides of
the linearly arranged first, second and fifth openings.
12. The stent graft of claim 7, wherein the third opening and the
fourth opening are arranged adjacent to each other, and wherein the
third opening and the fourth opening are arranged on a side of the
diaphragm opposite to the first opening.
13. The stent graft of claim 7, wherein the first opening is
arranged in a first quadrant of the diaphragm, the second opening
is arranged in a second quadrant of the diaphragm, the third
opening and the fourth opening are arranged in a third quadrant of
the diaphragm and the fifth opening is arranged in a fourth
quadrant of the diaphragm.
14. The stent graft of claim 1, wherein the diameter of the main
body stent graft ranges from about 20 mm to about 65 mm and wherein
the length of the main body stent graft ranges from about 10 mm to
about 150 mm.
15. The stent graft of claim 7, wherein each of the second stent
graft extension and the fifth stent graft extension has a length
ranging from about 0.5 mm to about 40 mm and wherein each of a
diameter of the second stent graft extension and a diameter of the
fifth stent graft extension ranges from about 6 mm to about 14
mm.
16. The stent graft of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of
sealing rings coupled to the main body stent graft.
17. The stent graft of claim 16, wherein the plurality of sealing
rings includes a proximal sealing ring coupled to the main body
stent graft at or directly adjacent to the first end of the main
body stent graft.
18. The stent graft of claim 17, wherein the proximal sealing ring
has a bi-level construction defining an upper portion and a lower
portion.
19. The stent graft of claim 1, wherein the first stent graft
extension has a length of at least 30 mm, wherein the first opening
has a diameter ranging from about 8 mm to about 25 mm and wherein
the first stent graft extension has a diameter ranging from about 8
mm to about 25 mm.
20. The stent graft of claim 1, wherein the third opening and the
fourth opening each have a diameter ranging from about 4 mm to
about 25 mm and wherein the third stent graft extension and the
fourth stent graft extension each have a diameter ranging from
about 4 mm to about 18 mm.
21. The stent graft of claim 1, further comprising a visceral
vessel opening having an inverted U-shape defined in the sidewall
of the main body stent graft and extending from the diaphragm to
the second end of the main body stent graft.
22. The stent graft of claim 21, wherein the plurality of sealing
rings includes a distal sealing ring coupled to the main body stent
graft between the diaphragm and the second end of the main body
stent graft, wherein the distal sealing ring has a radial portion
arranged about a portion of the circumference of the main body
stent graft and an arch portion aligned with the visceral vessel
opening.
23. The stent graft of claim 22, wherein each end of the radial
portion of the distal sealing ring transitions to the arch portion
via two curved segments each having a radius of curvature ranging
from about 20 mm to about 50 mm.
24. The stent graft of claim 21, wherein the length of the main
body stent graft between the first end and the diaphragm ranges
from about 10 mm to about 150 mm and wherein the length of the main
body stent graft from the diaphragm to the second end of the main
body stent graft ranges from about 0.05 mm to about 40 mm.
25. The stent graft of claim 1, further comprising: a stent valve
affixed to the first end of the main body stent graft, wherein a
free end of the stent valve is covered and a portion of the stent
valve extending between the free end and the main body stent graft
is uncovered.
Description
BACKGROUND
Unless otherwise indicated herein, the materials described in this
section are not prior art to the claims in this application and are
not admitted to be prior art by inclusion in this section.
Pararenal and juxtarenal aneurysms are infrarenal aneurysms located
within about 5 mm of the renal arteries that have very short necks
(i.e., less than 5 mm) or that involve 2-3 visceral arteries (e.g.,
right and left renal arteries and occasionally the superior
mesenteric artery ("SMA")) and that extend to within about 5 mm of
the SMA. Since a pararenal aneurysm typically includes only a
portion of the visceral trunk of the aorta, obtaining a proximal
seal between a main body stent graft and the vascular tissue is
difficult since blood flow must be maintained to the renal
arteries, the SMA and the celiac artery. One technique to treat a
pararenal aneurysm may involve placing bridging stent grafts in
each of the foregoing arteries via a branched or manifold stent
graft, for example. While this technique may provide a sufficient
proximal seal between the stent graft and the vasculature, the
proximal seal may also create a new risk, namely that blood flow to
the lumbar arteries may be blocked by the proximal seal.
Specifically, the lumbar arteries perfuse the spinal cord with
blood, and they tend to be concentrated in the area of the thoracic
aorta above the celiac arteries in the "seal zone" for stent grafts
placed and anchored in the aorta. As such, cutting off blood flow
to the lumbar arteries may cause a patient to become
hemodynamically unstable (i.e., blood pressure is too low to
sufficiently perfuse tissues with blood) and may put a patient at
risk for paraplegia. In addition, the Great vessels located in the
aortic arch near the heart may similarly have blood flow cutoff by
known treatment devices and methods for thoracic aneurysm and may
lead to stroke.
SUMMARY
Example embodiments beneficially provide stent grafts for treating
pararenal, supra-renal, ascending, transverse and descending
thoracic aneurysms, for example, and methods for placing these
stent grafts. The stent graft disclosed herein provides several
advantages over known techniques. For example, the stent graft may
permit a pararenal aneurysm to be repaired endovascularly with
minimal coverage of the aorta above the celiac artery. This may be
accomplished through an indentation or scallop-shaped-hole defined
at the proximal end of the main body stent graft and arranged below
the lumbar arteries upon deployment in vivo, while the remainder of
the proximal end of the stent graft extends along the visceral
trunk of the aorta. The proximal end of the main body stent graft
may in turn be supported by a proximal sealing ring having a
bi-level construction defining an upper portion arranged along the
most proximal edge of the main body stent graft and a lower portion
arranged along the indentation or scallop-shaped hole.
In addition, the stent graft may beneficially provide a diaphragm
disposed within the main lumen that defines at least three
openings. In one embodiment, these openings may include first,
second, third and fourth openings. This arrangement may permit one
or more bridging stents that may be coupled directly to these
openings or to stent grafts coupled to these openings. This allows
the exclusion of an aneurysm distal to the main body stent graft
down through the iliac arteries, for example.
Further, in one embodiment, stent graft extensions may be coupled
to the third and fourth openings of the diaphragm and may be
arranged to cross-over one another with gentle swooping paths for
stenting to the renal arteries. This configuration may
advantageously permit unobstructed blood flow and may minimize both
the potential for kinking of the stent grafts and for turbulent
blood flow. Also, in a further embodiment, the third and fourth
openings may be positioned on opposite sides of the diaphragm
between the sidewall of the main body stent graft and the center of
the lumen defined by the main body stent graft. This arrangement
may provide for a gentle swooping path of the stent graft
extensions coupled to the third and fourth openings, because free
ends of the stent graft extensions may have more space to cross to
the opposite side of the main body stent graft. In an alternative
embodiment, the third and fourth openings may be positioned in the
diaphragm closer to the center of the lumen defined by the main
body stent graft. This arrangement may beneficially result in a
higher blood flow rate.
Also, in one embodiment, a visceral chamber may be defined by a
visceral sidewall coupled to one of the diaphragm and the second
opening and to one of the sidewall of the main body stent graft and
the visceral-vessel opening defined in the sidewall of the main
body stent graft. This visceral chamber may beneficially permit
native blood flow to continue to the celiac and SMA arteries. In
addition, in the event that an aneurysm advances proximally after
placement of the stent graft, the aneurysm may be repaired by a
standard thoracic stent graft that may be deployed and mate
directly with the lumen of the main body stent graft.
With respect to thoracic aneurysm, the stent graft may provide
blood flow to all three Great vessels thereby treating from the
sinotubular junction and providing unimpeded flow during
debranching of the aneurysm. The stent graft may also
advantageously provide a surgeon with the flexibility to choose
between placing the arch bypass graft or debranching the Great
vessels first. For example, it may be desirable to debranch the
Great vessels first and thereby provide stroke protection during
subsequent placement of the larger arch bypass graft. Thus, the
stent graft allows the surgeon to elect between risks based upon
the presentation of each individual patient.
Thus, in one aspect, a stent graft is provided including the
features of (a) a main body stent graft defining a lumen having a
first end and a second end, (b) a diaphragm coupled to the main
body stent graft, where the diaphragm defines at least three
openings, and (c) at least three stent graft extensions each
defining a lumen, where a first end of each of the at least three
stent graft extensions is coupled to one of the at least three
openings.
In a second aspect, the stent graft may include the features of (d)
a visceral-vessel opening defined in a sidewall of the main body
stent graft between the first end and the second end of the main
body stent graft, where the diaphragm is disposed within the lumen
of the main body stent graft, where the at least three openings of
the diaphragm comprise a first opening, a second opening, a third
opening and a fourth opening, and (e) a visceral chamber defined by
a sidewall coupled to one of the second opening and the diaphragm
and to one of the visceral-vessel opening and the sidewall of the
main body stent graft.
In a third aspect, a stent graft may include the features of (a) a
visceral-vessel opening defined in a sidewall of the main body
stent graft between the first end and the second end of the main
body stent graft, where the diaphragm is disposed within the lumen
of the main body stent graft, and where the at least three openings
of the diaphragm comprise a first opening, a second opening, a
third opening and a fourth opening.
In a fourth aspect, a method for placement of the stent graft is
provided including the steps of (a) introducing a guidewire into
any appropriately sized arterial configuration via arterial access,
(b) loading a delivery catheter containing the stent graft
according to the first aspect onto the guidewire, (c) moving the
delivery catheter along the guidewire and introducing the delivery
catheter into the appropriately sized arterial configuration via
arterial access, and (d) deploying the stent graft into the
appropriately sized arterial configuration and/or a lumen of a
previously-placed stent graft.
These as well as other aspects, advantages, and alternatives, will
become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art by reading
the following detailed description, with reference where
appropriate to the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a front view of the stent graft according to one example
embodiment.
FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional side view of Section A:A from FIG.
1.
FIG. 3 is a back view of the stent graft according to the example
embodiment of FIG. 1.
FIG. 4 is a side view of the stent graft according to the example
embodiment of FIG. 1.
FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional top view of Section B:B from FIG.
4.
FIG. 6 is a top view of the stent graft according to the example
embodiment of FIG. 1.
FIG. 7A is a front view of the stent graft according to a second
example embodiment.
FIG. 7B is a front view of the stent graft according to the second
example embodiment having a fifth opening coupled to stent
extension graft.
FIG. 8A is a side view of the stent graft according to the example
embodiment of FIG. 7A.
FIG. 8B is a side view of the stent graft according to the example
embodiment of FIG. 7B.
FIG. 9 is a top view of the stent graft according to a third
example embodiment.
FIG. 10 is a side cross-sectional view of the stent graft according
to the example embodiment of FIG. 9.
FIG. 11 is a top view of the stent graft according to a fourth
example embodiment.
FIG. 12 is a front view of the stent graft according to the example
embodiment of FIG. 11.
FIG. 13A is a side view of the stent graft according to the example
embodiment of FIG. 11.
FIG. 13B is a side view of the stent graft according to the example
embodiment of FIG. 11 further including a visceral vessel opening
having an inverted U-shape defined in the sidewall of the main body
stent graft.
FIG. 14 is a top view of the stent graft according to a fifth
example embodiment.
FIG. 15 is a front view of the stent graft according to the example
embodiment of FIG. 14.
FIG. 16 is a top view of the stent graft according to a sixth
example embodiment.
FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional front view of the abdominal aorta with
a perspective view of the stent graft according to the example
embodiment of FIG. 1 in an expanded condition.
FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional front view of the abdominal aorta with
a perspective view of the stent graft according to the example
embodiment of FIG. 11 in an expanded condition.
FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional front view of the aortic arch with a
perspective view of the stent graft according to the example
embodiment of FIG. 11 in an expanded condition.
FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional front view of the abdominal aorta with
a perspective view of the stent graft according to the example
embodiment of FIG. 14 in an expanded condition.
FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional front view of the abdominal aorta with
a perspective view of the stent graft according to the example
embodiment of FIG. 7 in an expanded condition.
FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional front view of the abdominal aorta with
a perspective view of the stent graft according to the example
embodiment of FIG. 16 in an expanded condition.
FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional front view of the abdominal aorta with
a perspective view of the stent graft according to the example
embodiment of FIG. 13B in an expanded condition.
FIG. 24 is a side view of the stent graft according to a seventh
example embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Example stent grafts, as well as methods of placement of the stent
grafts, are described herein. Any example embodiment or feature
described herein is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or
advantageous over other embodiments or features. The example
embodiments described herein are not meant to be limiting. It will
be readily understood that certain aspects of the disclosed methods
can be arranged and combined in a wide variety of different
configurations, all of which are contemplated herein.
Furthermore, the particular arrangements shown in the Figures
should not be viewed as limiting. It should be understood that
other embodiments may include more or less of each element shown in
a given Figure. Further, some of the illustrated elements may be
combined or omitted. Yet further, an example embodiment may include
elements that are not illustrated in the Figures.
As used herein, "about" means +/-5%.
As used herein, diameter ranges pertain to an unconstrained, ex
vivo state of the stent graft and stent graft extensions. When the
stent graft and stent graft extensions are in a deployed, in vivo
state the diameter ranges will be on the order of about 10-20%
smaller in diameter than the ex vivo state.
As used herein, "pararenal" means a region adjacent to the
kidney.
As used herein, "infrarenal" means situated or occurring below the
kidneys.
As used herein, "visceral trunk" refers to the portion of the aorta
attached to the renal arteries, superior mesenteric artery ("SMA"),
and the celiac artery.
As used herein, "proximal end" refers to the end of the main body
stent graft that will be positioned closer to a patient's heart
than the "distal end" upon deployment.
As used herein, a "sealing ring" is a structure configured to apply
an outward circumferential force to create a fluid tight seal. In
some embodiments, this circumferential force may be applied
laterally against the sidewall of the main body stent graft. In
other embodiments, the circumferential force may be applied to
maintain a hole or opening in a sidewall of the main body stent
graft both in an open condition and in contact with vasculature. A
sealing ring may be circular or oval, may be continuous or
discontinuous, and/or may be contoured or have a bi-level shape to
accommodate indentations or scallop-shaped holes in the sidewall of
the main body stent graft, among other possibilities. The sealing
rings may include elastic recoil material, such as nitinol, a
standard stent structure or a straight reinforced wire, an
injectable sealing agent that may form a sealing structure similar
to a gasket or "O" ring among other possibilities.
As used herein, "passive fixation" refers to friction, interaction
between the cloth of the grafts, radial strength of the stent
structure and blood pressure that holds the component stent grafts
together at the site of overlap.
As used herein, "active fixation" refers to features coupled to a
stent, graft, or stent graft that may actively engage vasculature
or another stent graft, including hooks, bi-directional hooks,
stent structure elements, anchors, staples, bio-activated adhesive,
or a combination thereof, among other possibilities.
As used herein, "string" refers to a low friction material such as
GORE-TEX.RTM. Suture, for example.
As used herein, with respect to measurements, "about" means
+/-5%.
As used herein, a "stent graft" is a tubular, radially-expandable
device comprising a fluid-tight (i.e., blood-tight) fabric
supported by a stent and may be used to bridge diseased arteries.
Such stent grafts and methods for their deployment and use are
known to those of skill in the art. For example, vascular sheaths
can be introduced into the patient's arteries, through which items,
including but not limited to, guidewires, catheters and,
eventually, the stent graft, are passed.
As used herein, "stent" is typically a cylindrical frame and means
any device or structure that adds rigidity, expansion force, or
support to a prosthesis or native vasculature, while "stent graft"
refers to a prosthesis comprising a stent and a graft material
associated therewith that forms a fluid-tight lumen through at
least a portion of its length. As used herein, "fluid tight" means
a barrier that is configured to prevent or, upon deployment in
vivo, becomes able to prevent blood or blood products (i.e. serum
and its contents) from passing through, thus preventing an
endoleak. For example, the stent structure may comprise coiled,
mesh, zig-zag or woven wires or a laser cut tube. A "graft" is a
substantially cylindrical liner or a non-linear graft in a tapered
configuration that may be disposed on the stent's interior,
exterior or both. In some embodiments, grafts may be woven as
unitary structures with multiple lumens. For example, the main body
stent graft, the diaphragm, the two renal lumens, the infrarenal
lumen and the visceral chamber may all be woven together as a
unitary structure or otherwise joined together to form a unitary
structure. Further, when used in combination with a graft, the
stent structure may further comprise a series of spaced apart stent
rings disposed along the graft. A wide variety of attachment
mechanisms are available to join the stent and graft together,
including but not limited to, sutures, adhesive bonding, heat
welding, and ultrasonic welding.
The stent can be made of any suitable material, including but not
limited to biocompatible metals, implantable quality stainless
steel wires, nickel and titanium alloys, and biocompatible plastics
attached to a graft. Any suitable fluid tight (i.e., blood-tight)
graft material can be used. In a preferred embodiment, the graft
material is a biocompatible fabric, including but not limited to
woven or knitted polyester, such as poly(ethylene terephthalate),
polylactide, polyglycolide and copolymers thereof; fluorinated
polymers, such as PTFE, expanded or electrospun PTFE and
poly(vinylidene fluoride); polysiloxanes, including polydimethyl
siloxane; and polyurethanes, including polyetherurethanes,
polyurethane ureas, polyetherurethane ureas, polyurethanes
containing carbonate linkages, woven nickel-titanium and
polyurethanes containing siloxane segments. Materials that are not
inherently biocompatible may be subjected to surface modifications
in order to render the materials biocompatible. Examples of surface
modifications include graft polymerization of biocompatible
polymers from the material surface, coating of the surface with a
crosslinked biocompatible polymer, chemical modification with
biocompatible functional groups, and immobilization of a
compatibilizing agent such as heparin or other substances. The
graft material may also include extracellular matrix materials.
The covered stent grafts can be made of any suitable material,
including but not limited topolytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) lined
nickel-titanium alloy stent. The stent grafts are preferably
covered and flexible. The stent grafts may contain any other
suitable components, such as surface modifications including but
not limited to covalent attachment of heparin.
In a first aspect, shown in FIGS. 9-16, the invention provides a
stent graft, comprising:
a main body stent graft defining a lumen having a first end and a
second end;
a diaphragm coupled to the main body stent graft, wherein the
diaphragm defines at least three openings; and
at least three stent graft extensions each defining a lumen,
wherein a first end of each of the at least three stent graft
extensions is coupled to one of the at least three openings.
Referring now to FIGS. 9-16, a stent graft 200 is shown including a
main body stent graft 205 defining a lumen that has a first end 207
and a second end 209. In one embodiment, the first end 207 of the
main body stent graft 205 may be the proximal end of the stent
graft 200 configured to be positioned closer to a patient's heart
than the second end 209 or distal end of the main body stent graft
205 upon deployment. The diaphragm 210 may be coupled to the main
body stent graft 205 at a location within the lumen or at the first
end 207 or the second end 209. In one embodiment, the diaphragm 210
may be coupled to the main body stent graft 205 at a location
ranging from the second or distal end 209 of the main body stent
graft 205 up to a midsection of the main body stent graft 205. This
arrangement may beneficially permit pressure from blood flow to act
upon the proximal sidewall of the main body stent graft above the
diaphragm, which may aid in sealing and fixation of the stent graft
to the lumen in which it is deployed.
The diaphragm 210 defines at least three openings. For example, in
one embodiment, the diaphragm 210 may define a first opening 230
coupled to a first stent graft extension 231, a second opening 235
coupled to a second stent graft extension 236, a third opening 220
coupled to a third stent graft extension 221 and a fourth opening
225 coupled to a fourth stent graft extension 226. In various
embodiments, the first opening 230 may be used to receive a
bridging stent for placement in the infrarenal segment of the aorta
or other native vessel, the second opening 235 may be used to
receive a bridging stent for placement in the celiac and SMA or
other native vessel, the third and fourth openings 220, 225 may be
used to receive a bridging stent for placement in the renal
arteries or other native vessel. Alternatively, the first opening
230 may be used to receive a bridging stent for placement in the
aortic arch, the second opening 235 may be used to receive a
bridging stent for placement in the innominate (right common
carotid artery and the right subclavian artery) or other native
vessel, the third and fourth openings 220, 225 may be used to
receive a bridging stent for placement in the left common carotid
artery and the left subclavian artery or other native vessel.
In one embodiment, shown in FIG. 11, the first opening 230 may have
a diameter larger than a diameter of the second opening 235. In
another embodiment, shown in FIG. 11, the diameter of the second
opening 235 may be larger than a diameter of the third opening 220
and a diameter of the fourth opening 225. In an alternative
embodiment, shown in FIGS. 9 and 14, the second opening 235, the
third opening 220 and the fourth opening 225 may each have the same
size diameter. In yet another embodiment shown in FIG. 11, the
first opening 230 and the second opening 235 may be defined on
opposite sides of the diaphragm 210. In a still further embodiment,
the first opening 230, the second opening 235, the third opening
220 and the fourth opening 225 may each be defined in different
quadrants 211-214 of the diaphragm 210, as shown in FIG. 11.
In further embodiments shown in FIGS. 9, 14 and 16, a fifth opening
237 may also be defined in the diaphragm 210 and coupled to a fifth
stent graft extension 238. In one embodiment, the fifth opening 237
may be used to receive a bridging stent for placement in the celiac
and SMA or other native vessel. In one embodiment, the first
opening 230 may have a diameter larger than a diameter of the
second opening 235 and a diameter of the fifth opening 237 (see
FIGS. 9, 14 and 16). In a further embodiment shown in FIG. 16, the
diameter of the second opening 235 and the diameter of the fifth
opening 237 may be larger than a diameter of the third opening 220
and a diameter of the fourth opening 225. In alternative
embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 9 and 14, the diameter of the second
opening 235 and the diameter of the fifth opening 237 may have the
same dimension as a diameter of the third opening 220 and a
diameter of the fourth opening 225. In one embodiment, the first
opening 230, the second opening 235 and the fifth opening 237 may
be arranged linearly in the diaphragm 210, and the third opening
220 and the fourth opening 225 may be arranged on opposite sides of
each of the first, second and fifth openings 230, 235, 237, as
shown in FIG. 16. In addition, as shown in FIG. 9, the third
opening 220 and the fourth opening 225 may be arranged adjacent to
each other and may be arranged together on a side of the diaphragm
210 opposite to the first opening 230. Still further, in one
embodiment, the first opening 230 may be arranged in a first
quadrant 211 of the diaphragm 210, the third opening 220 may be
arranged in a second quadrant 212 of the diaphragm, the second
opening 235 and the fifth opening 237 may be arranged in a third
quadrant 213 of the diaphragm and the fourth opening 225 may be
arranged in a fourth quadrant 214 of the diaphragm 210, as shown in
FIG. 14.
In yet another embodiment, at least a portion of the diaphragm 210
may be angled relative to a sidewall 218 of the main body stent
graft 205 toward the second end 209 of the main body stent graft
205. In one embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 9-10, the openings 220,
225, 230 in the diaphragm 210 may be defined in the center of the
diaphragm 210, and the diaphragm 210 may be substantially
funnel-shaped. In a further embodiment, an end of at least one of
the stent graft extensions may be tapered adjacent to the diaphragm
210, as shown and described with respect to the first aspect of the
invention. This arrangement may aid with guidewire alignment and
entry into the respective lumens of the stent graft extensions in
order to place extension or bridging stents and may encourage
laminar blood flow.
In addition, in one embodiment, the openings of the diaphragm 210
may be reinforced to mate with bridging stent grafts or extension
stent grafts, for example. The reinforcement material may include
nitinol, for example, or any nonextendible, collapsible material
that is biocompatible. In a further embodiment, the diaphragm 210
may have an expandable frame that may be configured to apply an
outward radial force to the main body stent graft 205, as discussed
with respect to the first aspect of the invention. This frame may
aid with fixation and seal with a vessel lumen.
In one embodiment, the diameter of the main body stent graft 205
may range from about 20 mm to about 65 mm, and preferably in the
visceral segment from about 23 mm to about 40 mm or from about 28
mm to about 36 mm and preferably in the thoracic aorta from about
30 mm to about 65 mm or from about 40 mm to about 55 mm. In
addition, the length of the main body stent graft 205 may range
from about 10 mm to about 150 mm and preferably from about 20 mm to
about 60 mm. Further, each of the second stent graft extension 236
and the fifth stent graft extension 238 may have a length ranging
from about 0.5 mm to about 40 mm, in on example. In yet another
embodiment, each of a diameter of the second stent graft extension
236 and a diameter of the fifth stent graft extension 238 may range
from about 6 mm to about 14 mm.
In one embodiment, the first stent graft extension 231 may have a
length of at least 30 mm and may have a diameter ranging from about
8 mm to about 25 mm. In another embodiment, the first opening 230
may have a diameter ranging from about 8 mm to about 25 mm. In a
further embodiment the third opening 220 and the fourth opening 225
may each have a diameter ranging from about 4 mm to about 25 mm. In
another embodiment, the third stent graft extension 221 and the
fourth stent graft extension 226 may each have a diameter ranging
from about 4 mm to about 12 mm.
The stent graft 200 may also include a plurality of sealing rings
coupled to the main body stent graft 205, as discussed above with
respect to the first aspect of the invention. For example, in one
embodiment, the plurality of sealing rings may include a proximal
sealing ring 245 coupled to the main body stent graft 205 at or
directly adjacent to the first end 207. In one embodiment, the
proximal sealing ring 245 may have a bi-level construction defining
an upper portion and a lower portion. In an alternative embodiment,
the proximal sealing ring may be ring-shaped.
In one embodiment, shown in FIGS. 13B and 23, the stent graft may
include a visceral vessel opening 175 having an inverted U-shape
defined in the sidewall of the main body stent graft 205 and
extending from the diaphragm 210 to the second end 209 of the main
body stent graft 205. The visceral opening may advantageously avoid
blocking blood flow and permit access to the celiac and SMA
arteries. In a further embodiment, the plurality of sealing rings
may include a distal sealing ring 176 coupled to the main body
stent graft 205 between the diaphragm 210 and the second end 209 of
the main body stent graft 205. The distal sealing ring 276 may have
a radial portion 277 arranged about a portion of the circumference
of the main body stent graft 205 and an arch portion 278 aligned
with the visceral vessel opening 275. In one embodiment, each end
of the radial portion 277 of the distal sealing ring 276 may
transition to the arch portion 278 via two curved segments 279 each
having a radius of curvature ranging from about 20 mm to about 50
mm. In still another embodiment, the length of the main body stent
graft 205 between the first end 207 and the diaphragm 210 may range
from about 10 mm to about 150 mm. In a further embodiment, the
length of the main body stent graft 205 from the diaphragm 210 to
the second end 209 of the main body stent graft 205 may range from
about 0.05 mm to about 40 mm.
In another embodiment, as discussed below with respect to the
second aspect of the invention, a pair of opposing helical stent
structures may be coupled to one or more of the first stent graft
extension 231, the second stent graft extension 236, the third
stent graft extension 221, the fourth stent graft extension 226 and
the fifth stent graft extension 238.
In still another embodiment, the first end 207 of the main body
stent graft 205 may be coupled to a fixation stent, as described
below with respect to the second aspect of the invention.
In an alternative embodiment, shown in FIG. 19, the stent graft may
include a stent valve 280 affixed to the first end 207 of the main
body stent graft 205. In this arrangement, a free end of the stent
valve may be covered and a portion of the stent valve extending
between the free end and the main body stent graft 205 may be
uncovered. As used herein, a "stent valve" is a percutaneous
self-expanding valve affixed to a proximal or first end 207 of the
main body stent graft 205 with the uncovered portion overlaying the
coronary arteries to maintain blood flow. An exemplary embodiment
of the stent valve includes the Corevalve.RTM. manufactured by
Medtronic. In one embodiment, the free end of the stent valve may
be covered with an impervious natural or synthetic material. In one
embodiment, the stent valve may be placed in the outflow tract of
the aortic valve. The stent valve's anchoring mechanism is derived
from, for example, a funnel shape with a larger diameter at the
free end and smaller diameter at the point where the covered
portion meets the uncovered portion.
In a second aspect, the stent graft provides:
a main body stent graft defining a lumen having a first end and a
second end;
a diaphragm coupled to the main body stent graft, wherein the
diaphragm defines at least three openings;
at least three stent graft extensions each defining a lumen,
wherein a first end of each of the at least three stent graft
extensions is coupled to one of the at least three openings;
a visceral-vessel opening defined in a sidewall of the main body
stent graft between the first end and the second end of the main
body stent graft, wherein the diaphragm is disposed within the
lumen of the main body stent graft, wherein the at least three
openings of the diaphragm comprise a first opening, a second
opening, a third opening and a fourth opening; and
a visceral chamber defined by a sidewall coupled to one of the
second opening and the diaphragm and to one of the visceral-vessel
opening and the sidewall of the main body stent graft.
Referring now to FIGS. 1-6, a stent graft 100 is shown including a
main body stent graft 105 defining a lumen having an inlet 106
defined at a first or proximal end 107 of the main body stent graft
105 and having an outlet 108 defined at a second or distal end 109
of the main body stent graft 105. In one embodiment, a portion of
the lumen of the main body stent graft 105 arranged between the
diaphragm 110 and the proximal end 107 of the main body stent graft
105 may have a diameter ranging from about 20 mm to about 65 mm and
preferably from about 20 mm to about 46 mm. In another embodiment,
the main body stent graft 105 may have a length ranging from about
10 mm to about 150 mm extending between the first end 107 of the
main body stent graft 105 and the first end 116 of the
visceral-vessel opening 115. In a further embodiment, the main body
stent graft 105 may have a length ranging from 0 mm to about 40 mm
extending between the second or distal end 117 of the
visceral-vessel opening 115 and the second end 109 of the main body
stent graft 105.
The stent graft 100 includes a diaphragm 110 disposed within the
lumen of the main body stent graft 105 and coupled to the main body
stent graft 105. The diaphragm 110 defines a first opening 130, a
second opening 135, a third opening 120 and a fourth opening 125.
In one embodiment, the first opening 130 may be used to stent the
infrarenal segment, the second opening 135 may be used stent the
celiac and SMA arteries, the third opening 120 and the fourth
opening 125 may be used to stent the renal arteries. The second
opening 135 may be aligned in a quadrant of the diaphragm 110 that
lies above the visceral-vessel opening 115, discussed in more
detail below, and the first opening 130 and the third and fourth
openings 120, 125 may be arranged in various configurations in the
same or other quadrants of the diaphragm 110. For example, in one
embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6, the first opening 130 and the
second opening 135 may be arranged on opposite sides of the
diaphragm 110 with the third opening 120 and the fourth opening 125
likewise arranged on opposite sides of the diaphragm 110 between
the first opening 130 and the second opening 135. Alternatively,
the third and fourth openings 120, 125 may be arranged on the same
side of the diaphragm 110 between the first opening 130 and the
second opening 135. In other embodiments, the first opening 130 and
one of the third and fourth openings 20, 125 and may be arranged on
opposite sides of the diaphragm 110 with the other opening arranged
therebetween. In a further embodiment, the first opening 130 and
the third and fourth openings 120, 125 may be arranged such that
there is no other inlet directly opposite the second opening
135.
In one embodiment, the diaphragm 110 may be sloped or tapered in
the regions surrounding these various openings. In one embodiment,
the second opening 135 may be defined as a V-shape, a half-circle
having a radius ranging from about 5 mm to about 15 mm or a
complete circular opening with a diameter ranging from about 6 mm
to about 20 mm, among other possibilities. In further embodiments,
the third opening 120, fourth opening 125, first opening 130 may
have a substantially circular shape. In one embodiment, three stent
graft extensions 121, 126 and 131 may be directly coupled to the
third opening 120, the fourth opening 125 and the first opening
130, respectively, in fluid-tight (blood-tight) manner prior to
deployment of the stent graft 100. These stent graft extensions
121, 126, 131 each define a lumen and are configured to receive
extension or bridging stent grafts that may be held in place via
passive or active fixation. This arrangement may provide blood flow
between the stent graft 100 and the renal arteries and or may
provide blood flow to the infrarenal arteries including, for
example, the aorta and the common iliac arteries.
In various embodiments, the stent graft extensions 121, 126, 131
may be straight or gradually sweeping and their distal free ends
123, 128, 133 may be freely movable to place bridging stent grafts.
In one embodiment, the stent graft extension 131 coupled to the
first opening 130 may have a length of at least 30 mm and, in
another embodiment, may have a length that ranges from about 10 mm
to 120 mm. And in another embodiment, the stent graft extension 131
may have a diameter ranging from about 8 mm to about 25 mm. In
another embodiment, the first opening 130 may have a diameter
ranging from about 8 mm to about 25 mm. In yet another embodiment,
the diameter of the first opening 130 may be larger than the
diameter of the stent graft extension 131 coupled thereto such that
a first or proximal end of the stent graft extension 131 is tapered
132. In other embodiments, the third and fourth openings 120, 125
may each have a diameter ranging from about 4 mm to about 25 mm. In
one embodiment, the stent graft extensions 121, 126 coupled to the
third and fourth openings may each have a diameter ranging from
about 4 mm to about 18 mm. In a further embodiment, the diameter of
each of the third and fourth openings 120, 125 may be larger than
the diameter of each of the stent graft extensions 121, 126 coupled
thereto such that a first or proximal end of each of the stent
graft extensions 121, 126 is tapered 122, 127. Tapering from the
diaphragm openings to the various stent graft extensions may aid
with guidewire alignment and entry into the respective lumens to
place extension or bridging stents and may encourage laminar blood
flow. In another embodiment, the stent graft extensions 121, 126
and 131 may be placed separately after deployment. In this
embodiment, the stent graft extensions 121, 126, 131 may have
flared proximal ends that are arranged proximal of the diaphragm
upon deployment.
In one embodiment, a pair of opposing helical stent structures may
be coupled to and extend along the length of one or more of the
stent graft extensions 121, 126 and 131. The helical stent
structures may advantageously prevent elongation of the lumens.
These helical stent structures may be made from biocompatible
materials with elastic shape memory, such as nitinol, stainless
steel, plastics, polymers or any combination of such materials,
among other possibilities.
In a further embodiment, according to the first, second and third
aspects of the present disclosure, the diaphragm 110 may have an
expandable frame 111. This expandable frame 111 may be configured
to apply an outward radial force to the main body stent graft 105
in response to a downward force applied to the diaphragm 110. The
downward force may be due to blood flow, for example. In one
embodiment, the diaphragm 110 may be positioned within the lumen of
the main body stent graft 105 at or between a first end 116 of the
visceral-vessel opening 115 and a second end 117 of the
visceral-vessel opening 115.
The stent graft 100 also includes a visceral-vessel opening 115
defined in a sidewall 118 of the main body stent graft 105 between
the first end 107 and the second end 109 of the main body stent
graft 105. In one embodiment, the visceral-vessel opening 115 may
have a height ranging from about 10 mm to about 60 mm and may have
a width ranging from about 5 mm to about 30 mm. In one embodiment,
the visceral-vessel opening may be wider at a first or proximal end
than at a second or distal end, which may provide more graft
surface area between the visceral-vessel opening 115 and two renal
openings 170 to provide a more robust seal between the stent graft
and vasculature. In another embodiment, the visceral-vessel opening
115 may be covered with a flow-diverting material, for example, a
high pick density braided or woven self-expanding stent material.
This flow-diverting material may allow patency to the visceral
vessels, for example, while minimizing the degree of unstented
aortic wall to aid in anchoring and seal between the pararenal
stent graft within vasculature. This may provide a more robust seal
between the stent graft and aorta. The flow-diverting material may
also permit formation of thrombus and arterial development
therethrough, which may aid in appropriate blood flow and blood
pressure through this region of the main body stent graft 105.
In addition, the stent graft 100 includes a visceral chamber 140
defined by a sidewall 141 coupled to one of the diaphragm 110 and
the second opening 135 and to one of the sidewall of the main bode
stent graft and the visceral-vessel opening. The visceral chamber
140 may provide blood flow to the SMA and celiac arteries. In
addition, a surgeon may utilize the visceral chamber 140 to place
bridging stents in the SMA and/or celiac arteries
In one embodiment, the stent graft 100 may further include a
plurality of sealing rings coupled to the main body stent graft
105. In another embodiment, the plurality of sealing rings may
include a proximal sealing ring 145 coupled to the main body stent
graft 105 at or directly adjacent to the first end 107 of the main
body stent graft 105. In a further embodiment, the proximal sealing
ring 145 may have a bi-level construction defining an upper portion
146 and a lower portion 147. The lower portion 147 of the proximal
sealing ring 145 may be aligned with and arranged proximal to the
visceral-vessel opening 115, and the lower portion 147 may be
arranged distal to the upper portion 146 of the proximal sealing
ring 145. In one embodiment, the upper portion 146 of the proximal
sealing ring 145 may be longitudinally spaced apart from the lower
portion 147 along the main body stent graft 105 by a distance
ranging from about 0 mm to about 40 mm. In the bi-level embodiment,
a peripheral edge 104 of the first end 107 of the main body stent
graft 105 may have the same bi-level contour as the proximal
sealing ring 145. In one embodiment, the main body stent graft 105
may have a length ranging from about 0 mm to about 20 mm extending
between the lower portion 147 of the proximal sealing ring 145 of
the main body stent graft 105 and the first end 116 of the
visceral-vessel opening 115.
The graft material of the main body stent graft 105 may have the
same boundary as the proximal sealing ring 145 to avoid covering
the lumbar arteries that deliver blood to the spine. In other
embodiments, the graft material may have a uniform circumference
along the upper boundary of the proximal sealing ring 145. In still
further embodiments, the graft material may extend beyond the upper
proximal boundary of the proximal sealing ring 145 to the top or
proximal edge of a fixation stent 150.
In another embodiment, the plurality of sealing rings may include a
visceral-vessel sealing ring 155 coupled to the main body stent
graft 105 such that the visceral-vessel sealing ring 155 surrounds
the visceral-vessel opening 115. For example, the visceral-vessel
sealing ring 155 may apply a circumferential force to keep the
visceral-vessel opening 115 intact upon deployment providing a
fluid tight seal about the SMA and celiac arteries. The plurality
of sealing rings may also include at least one support sealing ring
160 coupled to the main body stent graft 105 such that a first end
161 of the at least one support sealing ring 160 is coupled to a
first side of the visceral-vessel sealing ring 155 and a second end
162 of the at least one support scaling ring 155 is coupled to a
second side of the visceral-vessel sealing ring 155. The
visceral-vessel sealing ring 155 may also work in combination with
the support sealing ring 160 to provide a circumferential radial
force relative to the main body stent graft 105 to provide a fluid
tight (i.e., blood-tight) seal with the aorta, for example. In a
further embodiment, the at least one support sealing ring 160 may
include a proximal support sealing ring 163, a distal support
sealing ring 164 and a central support sealing ring 160. In one
embodiment, the central support sealing ring 160 may be coupled to
the visceral vessel sealing ring 155. The proximal support sealing
ring 163 may be coupled to the main body stent graft 105 between
the first end 107 of the main body stent graft 105 and the central
support sealing ring 160. And the distal support sealing ring 164
may be coupled to the main body stent graft 105 between the second
end 109 of the main body stent graft 105 and the central support
sealing ring 160.
In still another embodiment, the plurality of sealing rings may
include a distal sealing ring 165 coupled to the main body stent
graft 105 at or directly adjacent to the second end 109 of the main
body stent graft 105. In one embodiment, two renal openings 170 may
be defined in the sidewall 118 of the main body stent graft 105
distal to the diaphragm 110. In one embodiment, the distal sealing
ring 165 may have two radial portions 166 joined by two arch
portions 167. The two arch portions 167 may be arranged
longitudinally along the sidewall 118 of the main body stent graft
105 and the two radial portions 166 are arranged about the
circumference of the main body stent graft 105. The two arch
portions 167 are aligned with the two renal openings 170. In one
embodiment, an effective diameter extending between the two radial
portions 166 of the distal sealing ring 165 may range from about 20
mm to about 50 mm. In one embodiment, the two arch portions 167 may
have a width ranging from about 4 mm to about 30 mm. In an
embodiment in which renal openings 170 are not provided in the
sidewall 118 of the main body stent graft 105, the length of the
main body stent graft 105 may be shortened to permit the renal
stent grafts to exit from the second end 109 such that they are
able to have a gentle sweep or large radius of curvature from the
renal inlet and the target vessel ostium when bridging stents are
placed. In still another embodiment, shown in FIGS. 7A-8B, the two
renal openings 170 in the sidewall of the main body stent graft may
be fenestrations sized and shaped to allow access to the native
arteries.
In one embodiment, applicable to the first, second and third
aspects of the present disclosure, a bridging stent graft may
comprise spaced-apart stent rings coupled to two wires
longitudinally disposed along the length of and on opposite sides
of the bridging stent graft in a helical shape. This arrangement
may beneficially prevent elongation of the bridging stent graft. An
appropriate overlap with the stent graft extensions 121, 126
coupled to the third and fourth openings 120, 125 or stent graft
extension 131 coupled to the first opening 130 may be adequate to
achieve passive fixation with a bridging stent graft during stent
graft debranching procedures. The length of this overlap region may
be less if active fixation features are also employed with the
stent grafts, for example.
In a third aspect, the stent graft provides:
a main body stent graft defining a lumen having a first end and a
second end;
a diaphragm coupled to the main body stent graft, wherein the
diaphragm defines at least three openings; and
at least three stent graft extensions each defining a lumen,
wherein a first end of each of the at least three stent graft
extensions is coupled to one of the at least three openings;
and
a visceral-vessel opening defined in a sidewall of the main body
stent graft between the first end and the second end of the main
body stent graft, wherein the diaphragm is disposed within the
lumen of the main body stent graft, and wherein the at least three
openings of the diaphragm comprise a first opening, a second
opening, a third opening and a fourth opening.
Referring now to FIGS. 7A and 7B, a stent graft 100 is shown
including a main body stent graft 105 defining a lumen having first
end 107 and a second 109 that may correspond to a proximal end and
a distal end, respectively, in one embodiment. A visceral-vessel
opening 115 is defined in a sidewall of the main body stent graft
105 between the first end 107 and the second end 109 of the main
body stent graft 105. In addition, a diaphragm 110 is disposed
within the lumen of the main body stent graft 105 and coupled to
the main body stent graft 105. The diaphragm defines a first
opening, a second opening, a third opening and a fourth opening. In
one embodiment, each of the openings may receive a bridging stent,
for example, and couple the infrarenal segment to the first opening
130, couple the celiac and SMA arteries to the second opening 135
and couple the couple the renal arteries to the third and fourth
openings 120, 125.
In one embodiment, a visceral chamber 140 may be defined by the
diaphragm 110, the sidewall of the main body stent graft 105 and a
visceral sidewall 141 extending between the diaphragm 110 and the
sidewall of the main body stent graft 105. In another embodiment, a
fifth opening 137 is defined in the diaphragm between the visceral
sidewall and the sidewall of the main body stent graft 105. This
fifth opening 137 may beneficially permit blood flow to the celiac
and SMA arteries while the second opening 135 is being actively
stented or otherwise blocked and vice versa. The fifth opening 137
may also allow for more than one of the celiac and SMA arteries to
be bridged with stents grafts.
The second and fifth openings 135, 137 are defined in the diaphragm
110 between the visceral sidewall 141 and the sidewall of the main
body stent graft 105. The visceral sidewall 141 surrounds a portion
of the visceral-vessel opening 115 defined between the second end
109 of the main body stent graft 105 and the diaphragm 110.
In one embodiment, the second opening 135 and the fifth opening 137
may be arranged adjacent to each other. In another embodiment, the
second opening 135 may be coupled to a stent graft extension 136
defining a lumen, and the fifth opening 137 may also be coupled to
a stent graft extension 138 defining a lumen. In further
embodiments, each of the stent graft extensions coupled to one of
the second and fifth openings may have a diameter ranging from
about 6 mm to about 14 mm and may have a length ranging from about
0.5 mm to about 40 mm.
In a further embodiment, one or more of the first 130, second 135,
third 120, fourth 125 and fifth 137 openings may be reinforced.
In one embodiment, shown in FIG. 24 and applicable to all of the
aspects of the present disclosure, the stent graft 300 includes a
plurality of anchors 385 that each define an eyelet. The plurality
of anchors 385 are arranged longitudinally at intervals along the
main body stent graft 305. In a further embodiment, the stent graft
300 includes a string 386 having a first end 387 and a second end
388. The string 386 may be slidably disposed through the eyelets of
the plurality of anchors 385 such that the main body stent graft
305 has a partially-expanded condition and a fully-expanded
condition. In the partially-expanded condition, the string 386 may
be under tension and the first end 387 of the string may be fixedly
coupled to a first anchor 390 of the plurality anchors 385 and the
second end 388 of the string 386 may be releasably coupled to a
second anchor 391 of the plurality of anchors. In the
fully-expanded condition (see FIG. 24), the second end of the
string 388 may be released from the second anchor 391 and the
string 386 may be untensioned.
In one embodiment, the main body stent graft 305 may expand from
50% to 95% of the fully-expanded diameter in the partially-expanded
condition. As such, the partially-expanded condition may enable the
stent graft to be deployed into a lumen and then subsequently
repositioned. For example, the smaller diameter of the
partially-expanded stent graft may permit the stent graft to be
moved proximally and distally to the desired location in the lumen
and rotated for alignment with appropriate branch vasculature. Once
in position, the releasable end 388 of the string 386 may be
decoupled from an anchor 391, as described below, and the stent
graft 300 may transition into the fully-expanded condition due to
shape memory of stents or balloon expansion, for example.
In another embodiment, the plurality of anchors may be arranged on
a side of the main body stent graft opposite to a visceral-vessel
opening. In a further embodiment, the plurality of anchors may be
arranged as laterally opposed pairs (see FIG. 24). In another
embodiment, the plurality of anchors may be arranged in a zig-zag
pattern.
In one embodiment, the eyelets of the plurality of anchors 385 and
the string 386 may be made of a low-friction material to enable the
stent graft 300 to transition from the partially-expanded condition
to the fully-expanded condition.
The stent grafts of the present disclosure may contain any further
suitable components, including but not limited to radiopaque
markers to aid in visualization and to facilitate accurate
placement of the stent graft. These radiopaque markers may take the
form of gold bands at the distal end of each individual lumen of a
given stent graft or a directional marker, for example in the shape
of an "S" or any other suitable form for indicating direction and
orientation of the stent graft. In one embodiment, the first or
proximal end 107, 207 of the main body stent graft 105 may be
coupled to a fixation stent 150. In addition, bi-directional
anchoring hooks may be formed as part of the fixation stent 150 may
be utilized to gain solid purchase in the non-diseased portion of a
vessel wall. This fixation stent 150 may provide for radial-force
fixation within the vessel in conjunction with bidirectional hooks.
In another embodiment, the fixation stent 150 may be biased away
from the lumen of the main body stent graft 105 to maintain
fixation with vasculature in a deployed condition even if an
aneurysm advances proximally.
In a fourth aspect, the invention provides a method for placement
of the stent graft 100 according to the first aspect of the
invention. The method includes (a) introducing a guidewire into any
appropriately sized arterial configuration via arterial access, (b)
loading a delivery catheter containing the stent graft of any of
the foregoing embodiments onto the guidewire, (c) moving the
delivery catheter along the guidewire and introducing the delivery
catheter into the appropriately sized arterial configuration via
arterial access and (d) deploying the stent graft into the
appropriately sized arterial configuration and/or a lumen of a
previously-placed stent graft.
In one embodiment, the method may further include maintaining the
stent graft in a partially-compressed condition via a tensioned
string disposed through a plurality of anchors that each define an
eyelet. In one embodiment, the tension on the string may be reduced
by releasing one end of the wire from a first anchor of the
plurality of anchors. Once tension on the string is reduced, the
stent graft may then expand into the fully-expanded condition.
In one embodiment, the second aspect may further include (e)
loading a second delivery catheter containing a bridging stent
graft onto the guidewire, (f) moving the second delivery catheter
along the guidewire and introducing the second delivery catheter
into the proximal end 107 of main body lumen of the stent graft 105
via arterial access, (g) selecting from among the first renal inlet
120, the second renal inlet 125, the infrarenal inlet 130 or the
visceral inlet 135 defined in the diaphragm 110, (h) introducing
the second delivery catheter into the selected inlet and into
either a lumen 121, 126, 131 coupled to the selected inlet or an
appropriately sized arterial lumen and (i) deploying all or a
portion of the bridging stent graft into the selected inlet or the
appropriately sized arterial lumen.
Various embodiments of the stent grafts according to the first,
second and third aspects of the invention are shown in FIGS. 17-23
in one of the visceral trunk or thoracic aorta after deployment in
vivo according to the methods of the fourth aspect of the
invention.
Although specific embodiments have been illustrated and described
herein, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the
art that any arrangement that is calculated to achieve the same
purpose may be substituted for the specific embodiments shown. This
application is intended to cover any adaptations or variations of
embodiments of the present invention. It is to be understood that
the above description is intended to be illustrative, and not
restrictive, and that the phraseology or terminology employed
herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. The
above embodiments and other embodiments may be combined as is
apparent to those of skill in the art upon studying the above
description, unless noted otherwise.
* * * * *